Cold weather plan: Level 2 alert issued

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Met Office has forecast that in at least the next 2 to 3 days there is a 60% chance of cold temperatures/icy conditions/snow in the East…

The Met Office has forecast that in at least the next 2 to 3 days there is a 60% chance of cold temperatures/icy conditions/snow in the East Midlands, East of England and West Midlands regions being low enough on at least two consecutive days to give rise to significant health risks, and a 70% chance of the same occurring in the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. The Cold Weather Plan defines this as a Level 2 Alert. The Met Office website’s ‘Winter Weather Warning Service’ page provides further details.

Severe cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease. Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from the NHS Choices website. Alternatively ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or contact your local GP or pharmacist.

For health and social care providers, the purpose of this message is to draw your attention to the advice set out in the Public Health Cold Weather Plan.

Specific advice on steps that may be followed by health care professionals and the managers and staff of residential and nursing homes in the event of severe cold weather is available from the Department of Health website’s Cold Weather Plan section.